Indigenous Affairs

Acknowledgement of Country

Defence acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. Defence recognises their continuing connection to traditional lands and waters and would like to pay respect to their Elders past and present. Defence would also like to pay respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have contributed to the defence of Australia in times of peace and war.

Defence is proud of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have contributed to the defence of Australia in times of peace and war. Defence acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of country and is committed to increasing the role of Indigenous Australians in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS).

The Directorate of Indigenous Affairs (DIA) ensures Defence's Indigenous priorities are aligned to broader change programs and to improve the services delivered by Defence People Group.

These two strategies encompass recruitment, retention and cultural programs which are implemented across the entire Defence organisation, including Navy, Army and Air Force.

Defence is committed to the Commonwealth Government Indigenous employment target of 2.5 per cent by 2018 and procurement target of 3 per cent by 2020.

To achieve these strategic objectives, Defence continues to engage with the public through universities, TAFEs, schools, community groups, businesses partnering in community engagement and government agencies.

Community engagement is best achieved through the establishment and maintenance of meaningful relationships at the local level. Defence Commanders and Managers are well placed to engage with local Indigenous communities as they are more easily able to sustain those relationships locally.